Water batteries and hydropower generation help meet grid-scale needs
SSE Renewables set out to implement the first major UK pumped storage scheme in over 40 years. Our team provided reference designs for engineering, supporting procurement of the construction contractor. The scope included the dam, set to be the largest in the United Kingdom, with 17 kilometres (10.6 miles) of tunnels up to 10 metres (32.8 feet) in diameter, three underground caverns for the power complex, access roads, and associated infrastructure. We also completed all post Section 36 environmental permitting to enable construction.
Early 2023 saw the start of construction on a 1-kilometre (0.6-mile) exploratory adit, or nearly horizontal tunnel, at depths of up to 700 metres (2,297 feet) below ground, to investigate the geology of the power station.
The project is sited in the Great Glen of Scotland, an environmentally sensitive location. Our work also focused on water modeling, supporting the business case with socioeconomic information including 3D landscape and visual impact assessments for stakeholder meetings.
By enabling construction of this large-scale generation scheme, which would more than double the country’s pumped hydro storage capability, SSE Renewables will help move the United Kingdom towards decarbonisation.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- SSE Renewables
Craig Scott, Hydropower and Dams Sector Leader, UK & Europe
I recognise that with every project there are many stakeholders involved—from governmental entities down to individual users of the energy.
Marc Sheikh, Project Manager
Waterpower engineers have the opportunity of a generation to change the way we live. The challenge is immense, but so is the personal reward.
Jon Troke, Project Engineer
What I really enjoy is the variety of challenges my work brings and the inspirational people that I meet along the way.
Tom Pendrey, Principal Mechanical Engineer
I’m motivated by helping people fulfill their potential—with a focus on creating and enabling high performing teams.
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